Patriots owner Robert Kraft recently underwent back surgery and will miss Saturday’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony for franchise legend Rob Gronkowski.
Kraft, who typically speaks at the Hall’s induction ceremonies, shared the news of his operation Thursday with ESPN.
“As much pain as I was in before having surgery, it pains me even more to miss the ceremony,” Kraft told ESPN.
The 85-year-old owner will also miss Sunday’s home game against the Packers and next week’s trip to play the Lions in Munich. It’s unknown if Kraft will be present for games later this season.
In his conversation with ESPN, Kraft took a moment to reflect on Gronkowski’s years in New England from 2010-18. The former All-Pro won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and set several franchise records, despite undergoing several surgeries, including a few back operations. The Patriots will also honor Gronkowski at halftime of Sunday’s game.
“I always told Gronk that in my next life, I wanted to come back as him because I had never seen him have a bad day. But after a couple of back surgeries, I take that back,” Kraft joked to ESPN. “I never want to experience that again.”
He continued: “I just love Gronk. One of my greatest moments of love and affection for him was draft day, celebrating on the stage with his dad and brothers. It personified who he is,” Kraft said. “He became a fan favorite almost immediately and remained the standard at tight end for nearly a decade.”